Sweet corn hybrid 11-6r-shy-1514 and parents thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the parts of such plants.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and, more specifically, to the development of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and the inbred sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The goal of vegetable breeding is to combine various desirable traits in a single variety/hybrid. Such desirable traits may include any trait deemed beneficial by a grower and/or consumer, including greater yield, better stalks, better roots, resistance to insecticides, herbicides, pests, and disease, tolerance to heat and drought, reduced time to crop maturity, better agronomic quality, higher nutritional value, sugar content, uniformity in germination times, stand establishment, growth rate and maturity, among others.

Breeding techniques take advantage of a plant's method of pollination. There are two general methods of pollination: a plant self-pollinates if pollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower of the same plant or plant variety. A plant cross-pollinates if pollen comes to it from a flower of a different plant variety.

Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type over many generations become homozygous at almost all gene loci and produce a uniform population of true breeding progeny, a homozygous plant. A cross between two such homozygous plants of different genotypes produces a uniform population of hybrid plants that are heterozygous for many gene loci. Conversely, a cross of two plants each heterozygous at a number of loci produces a population of hybrid plants that differ genetically and are not uniform. The resulting non-uniformity makes performance unpredictable.

The development of uniform varieties requires the development of homozygous inbred plants, the crossing of these inbred plants, and the evaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection are examples of breeding methods that have been used to develop inbred plants from breeding populations. Those breeding methods combine the genetic backgrounds from two or more plants or various other broad-based sources into breeding pools from which new lines and hybrids derived therefrom are developed by selfing and selection of desired phenotypes. The new lines and hybrids are evaluated to determine which of those have commercial potential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a plant of the sweet corn hybrid designated 11-6R-SHY-1514, the sweet corn line SHY-6RLAL201 or sweet corn line SHY-6RKCT030. Also provided are corn plants having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of such a plant. Parts of these corn plants are also provided, for example, including pollen, an ovule, and a cell of the plant.

In another aspect of the invention, a plant of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 comprising an added heritable trait is provided. The heritable trait may comprise a genetic locus that is, for example, a dominant or recessive allele. In one embodiment of the invention, a plant of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 is defined as comprising a single locus conversion. In specific embodiments of the invention, an added genetic locus confers one or more traits such as, for example, male sterility, herbicide resistance, insect resistance, resistance to bacterial, fungal, sugar content, nematode or viral disease, and altered fatty acid, phytate or carbohydrate metabolism. In further embodiments, the trait may be conferred by a naturally occurring gene introduced into the genome of a line by backcrossing, a natural or induced mutation, or a transgene introduced through genetic transformation techniques into the plant or a progenitor of any previous generation thereof. When introduced through transformation, a genetic locus may comprise one or more genes integrated at a single chromosomal location.

The invention also concerns the seed of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030. The corn seed of the invention may be provided, in one embodiment of the invention, as an essentially homogeneous population of corn seed of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030. Essentially homogeneous populations of seed are generally free from substantial numbers of other seed. Therefore, seed of hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 may, in particular embodiments of the invention, be provided forming at least about 97% of the total seed, including at least about 98%, 99% or more of the seed. The seed population may be separately grown to provide an essentially homogeneous population of sweet corn plants designated 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a tissue culture of regenerable cells of a sweet corn plant of hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 is provided. The tissue culture will preferably be capable of regenerating corn plants capable of expressing all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the starting plant, and of regenerating plants having substantially the same genotype as the starting plant. Examples of some of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 include those traits set forth in the tables herein. The regenerable cells in such tissue cultures may be derived, for example, from embryos, meristematic cells, immature tassels, microspores, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, silk, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, husks, or stalks, or from callus or protoplasts derived from those tissues. Still further, the present invention provides corn plants regenerated from a tissue culture of the invention, the plants having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, processes are provided for producing corn seeds, plants and parts thereof, which processes generally comprise crossing a first parent corn plant with a second parent corn plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent corn plants is a plant of sweet corn line SHY-6RLAL201 or sweet corn line SHY-6RKCT030. These processes may be further exemplified as processes for preparing hybrid corn seed or plants, wherein a first corn plant is crossed with a second corn plant of a different, distinct genotype to provide a hybrid that has, as one of its parents, a plant of sweet corn line SHY-6RLAL201 or sweet corn line SHY-6RKCT030. In these processes, crossing will result in the production of seed. The seed production occurs regardless of whether the seed is collected or not.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first step in “crossing” comprises planting seeds of a first and second parent corn plant, often in proximity so that pollination will occur for example, naturally or manually. Where the plant is self-pollinated, pollination may occur without the need for direct human intervention other than plant cultivation. For hybrid crosses, it may be beneficial to detassel or otherwise emasculate the parent used as a female.

A second step may comprise cultivating or growing the seeds of first and second parent corn plants into mature plants. A third step may comprise preventing self-pollination of the plants, such as by detasseling or other means.

A fourth step for a hybrid cross may comprise cross-pollination between the first and second parent corn plants. Yet another step comprises harvesting the seeds from at least one of the parent corn plants. The harvested seed can be grown to produce a corn plant or hybrid corn plant.

The present invention also provides the corn seeds and plants produced by a process that comprises crossing a first parent corn plant with a second parent corn plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent corn plants is a plant of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030. In one embodiment of the invention, corn seed and plants produced by the process are first generation (F₁) hybrid corn seed and plants produced by crossing a plant in accordance with the invention with another, distinct plant. The present invention further contemplates plant parts of such an F₁ hybrid corn plant, and methods of use thereof. Therefore, certain exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an F₁ hybrid corn plant and seed thereof.

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a plant derived from hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a progeny plant derived from hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030, wherein said preparing comprises crossing a plant of the hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 with a second plant; and (b) crossing the progeny plant with itself or a second plant to produce a seed of a progeny plant of a subsequent generation. In further embodiments, the method may additionally comprise: (c) growing a progeny plant of a subsequent generation from said seed of a progeny plant of a subsequent generation and crossing the progeny plant of a subsequent generation with itself or a second plant; and repeating the steps for an additional 3-10 generations to produce a plant derived from hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030. The plant derived from hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 may be an inbred line, and the aforementioned repeated crossing steps may be defined as comprising sufficient inbreeding to produce the inbred line. In the method, it may be desirable to select particular plants resulting from step (c) for continued crossing according to steps (b) and (c). By selecting plants having one or more desirable traits, a plant derived from hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 is obtained which possesses some of the desirable traits of the line/hybrid as well as potentially other selected traits.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of producing food or feed comprising: (a) obtaining a plant of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030, wherein the plant has been cultivated to maturity, and (b) collecting at least one corn from the plant.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, the genetic complement of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 is provided. The phrase “genetic complement” is used to refer to the aggregate of nucleotide sequences, the expression of which sequences defines the phenotype of, in the present case, a sweet corn plant, or a cell or tissue of that plant. A genetic complement thus represents the genetic makeup of a cell, tissue or plant, and a hybrid genetic complement represents the genetic make up of a hybrid cell, tissue or plant. The invention thus provides corn plant cells that have a genetic complement in accordance with the corn plant cells disclosed herein, and seeds and plants containing such cells.

Plant genetic complements may be assessed by genetic marker profiles, and by the expression of phenotypic traits that are characteristic of the expression of the genetic complement, e.g., isozyme typing profiles. It is understood that hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 could be identified by any of the many well known techniques such as, for example, Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms (SSLPs) (Williams et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 1 8:6531-6535, 1990), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858, specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., Science, 280:1077-1082, 1998).

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides hybrid genetic complements, as represented by corn plant cells, tissues, plants, and seeds, formed by the combination of a haploid genetic complement of a corn plant of the invention with a haploid genetic complement of a second corn plant, preferably, another, distinct corn plant. In another aspect, the present invention provides a corn plant regenerated from a tissue culture that comprises a hybrid genetic complement of this invention.

In still yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of determining the genotype of a plant of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 comprising detecting in the genome of the plant at least a first polymorphism. The method may, in certain embodiments, comprise detecting a plurality of polymorphisms in the genome of the plant. The method may further comprise storing the results of the step of detecting the plurality of polymorphisms on a computer readable medium. The invention further provides a computer readable medium produced by such a method.

Any embodiment discussed herein with respect to one aspect of the invention applies to other aspects of the invention as well, unless specifically noted.

The term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of the mean for the device or method being employed to determine the value. The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive. When used in conjunction with the word “comprising” or other open language in the claims, the words “a” and “an” denote “one or more,” unless specifically noted otherwise. The terms “comprise,” “have” and “include” are open-ended linking verbs. Any forms or tenses of one or more of these verbs, such as “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes” and “including,” are also open-ended. For example, any method that “comprises,” “has” or “includes” one or more steps is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps and also covers other unlisted steps. Similarly, any plant that “comprises,” “has” or “includes” one or more traits is not limited to possessing only those one or more traits and covers other unlisted traits.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and any specific examples provided, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides methods and compositions relating to plants, seeds and derivatives of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, sweet corn line SHY-6RLAL201 and sweet corn line SHY-6RKCT030. The hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 was produced by the cross of parent lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030. The parent lines show uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence. By crossing the parent lines, uniform seed hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 can be obtained.

Hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, also known as SV1514SK, is a yellow sh2 sweet corn. The hybrid has the RpG59 compound gene which provides resistance to some races of Puccinia sorghi (common rust) (Hu, G. and S. H. Hulbert. 1996. Construction of ‘compound’ rust genes in maize. Euphytica 87: 45-51). Hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 has resistance to Sugarcane Mosaic Virus and Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus.

Inbred line SHY-6RKCT030 is a yellow sweet corn homozygous for the recessive gene sh2. SHY-6RKCT030 has the RpG59 compound gene which provides resistance to some races of Puccinia sorghi (common rust) (Hu, G. and S. H. Hulbert. 1996. Construction of ‘compound’ rust genes in maize. Euphytica 87: 45-51). It also has resistance to Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) and Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus (MDMV). SHY-6RKCT030 resembles inbred line SHY084-5023.

SHY-6RLAL201 is a yellow sweet corn homozygous for the recessive gene sh2. Line SHY-6RLAL201 has the RpG gene which provides resistance to some races of Puccinia sorghi (common rust). SHY-6RLAL201 resembles inbred lines SYY093-678, SYY093-7001, and SYY-6R07003.

The development of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and its parent lines is summarized below.

A. ORIGIN AND BREEDING HISTORY OF SWEET CORN HYBRID 11-6R-SHY-1514

The hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 was produced by the cross of parent lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030.

SHY-6RLAL201 is a yellow sweet corn inbred which is homozygous for the recessive sh2 gene. The line also has the RpG gene which provides resistance to some races of Puccinia sorghi.

SHY-6RLAL201 was produced by breeding and selection as described below:

Parent Line 1:

-   -   Winter, Year 1-Year 2: The inbred line CODE6-5 (a proprietary         Seminis inbred) was grown in a Hawaii nursery on Molokai and was         crossed onto a stock carrying the RpG allele. This stock was         obtained from Dr. Jerald Pataky of the University of Illinois.         It was coded Seminis accession B142 and was an R168 field corn         inbred converted to carry the RpG allele. This allele was         reported by Dr. Art Hooker to have come from PI 163558. CODE6-5         was grown in Hawaii nursery row 9790 and B142 was grown in         nursery row 9764. The nursery was grown by Hawaiian Research         Ltd. under a contract with Seminis. An ear harvested of this F1         cross was given a source of H00: 9790×9764/2.     -   Summer, Year 2: Seeds of the F1 with source H00: 9790×9764/2         were planted in the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery row 4188 and         were crossed with inbred line CODE6-5 (a proprietary Seminis         inbred) grown in row 4187. This made a BC1 generation. An ear         harvested of this BC1 cross was given the source of N00:         4188×4187/1.     -   Winter, Year 2-Year 3: Seeds of the BC1 with source N00:         4188×4187/1 were planted in the Seminis Melipilla, Chile nursery         row 7584 and were crossed with inbred line CODE6-5 (a         proprietary Seminis inbred) grown in row 7583. This made a BC2         generation. An ear harvested of this BC1 cross was given the         source of E01: 7584×7583/1.     -   Winter, Year 3-Year 4: Seeds of the BC2 with source E01:         7584×7583/1 were planted in Homestead, Florida nursery row 513         and was cross pollinated by SYY093-678 (a proprietary Seminis         inbred) in nursery row 512 to make an F1. The nursery was grown         for Seminis by 27 Farms who were paid for their services. One of         the ears of the F1 cross was given a source of C02: 513×512/2.     -   Summer, Year 4: Seeds of the F1 with source C02: 513×512/2 were         planted in Seminis DeForest, WI nursery row 5219 and cross         pollinated by SYY093-678 (a proprietary Seminis inbred) in         nursery row 5218 to make a BC1. One of the ears of the BC1 cross         was give a source of N02: 5219×5218/1.     -   Winter, Year 4-Year 5: Seeds of the BC1 with source N02:         5219×5218/1 were planted in the Seminis Melipilla, Chile nursery         row 8956 and cross pollinated by SYY093-678 (a proprietary         Seminis inbred) grown in nursery row 8955 to make a BC2. One of         the ears of the BC2 cross was give the source of E03:         8956×8955/2.     -   Summer, Year 5: Seeds of the BC2 with source E03: 8956×8955/2         were planted in the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery row 5863.         Plants were inoculated with Puccinia sorghi and some of the         resistant plants were cross pollinated by SYY093-678 (a         proprietary Seminis inbred) grown in nursery row 5858 to make a         BC3. One of the ears of the BC3 cross was give the source of         N03: 5863×5858/1.     -   Winter, Year 5-Year 6: Seeds of the BC3 with source N03:         5863×5858/1 were planted in the Seminis Melipilla, Chile nursery         row 5018 and self pollinated to make a BC3F2. One of the         harvested BC3F2 ears was given the source of E04: 5018/1. and         the name designation of N2785.     -   Summer, Year 6: Seeds of the BC3F2 with source E04: 5018/1* were         planted in the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery row 4037. Plants         were inoculated with Puccinia sorghi and some of the common rust         resistant plants were self pollinated to make the BC3F3         generation. N04: 4037/2. was the source designation given to one         of the selfed ears following harvest.     -   Winter, Year 7: Seeds of the BC3F3 with source N04: 4037/2. were         planted in the Seminis Melipilla, Chile nursery row 8525 and         self pollinated to make a BC3F4. E05: 8525/1. was the source         given to one of the BC3F4 ears.

Parent Line 2:

-   -   Winter, Year 3-Year 4: Inbred N1217NP2 (a proprietary Seminis         inbred now named SHW084-5006) was grown in the Seminis         Melipilla, Chile nursery in row 5437. This line was crossed by         inbred SYY093-678 grown in row 5427. The F1 cross was given a         hybrid designation of SVR 08717186. E02: 5437×5427 was the         source designation given to the cross.     -   Winter, Year 4-Year 5: Hybrid SVR08717186 from source E02:         5437×5427 was grown in the Seminis Melipilla, Chile nursery in         row 9212. This line was crossed by inbred SYY093-678 grown in         row 9205 grown from source 208796 to make the BC1. The BC1 cross         was given the source designation E03: 9212×9205 and the name         N1999.     -   Summer, Year 5: Seeds of the BC1 from source E03: 9212×9205 were         planted in the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery row 6626 and plants         were self pollinated to make the BC1F2. N03: 6626/1. was the         source given to one of the self pollinated ears which was         segregating for Y1 (yellow and white kernels).     -   Winter, Year 5-Year 6: White kernels of the BC1F2 from source         N03: 6626/1. were planted in the Seminis Melipilla, Chile         nursery in row 5793. and plants were self pollinated to make the         BC1F3. E04: 5793/1. Was the source given to one of the self         pollinated ears. All kernels were white.     -   Summer, Year 6: Seeds of the BC1F3 from source E04: 5793/1. were         planted in the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery row 5585 and plants         were self pollinated to make the BC1F4. N04: 5585/1. was the         source given to one of the self pollinated ears. It was noted         that the kernels were homozygous sh2 but did not have the su1         gene based on kernel phenotype.     -   Winter, Year 6-Year 7: Seeds of the BC1F4 from source N04:         5585/1. were planted in the Seminis Homestead, Florida nursery         row 374 and self pollinated to make the BC1F5. The nursery was         grown for Seminis by 27 Farms who were paid for their services.         C05: 374/1. was the source given to one of the self pollinated         ears.     -   Summer, Year 7: Seeds of the BC1F5 from source C05: 374/1. were         planted in the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery in row 6912 and         plants were crossed by inbred SYY093-678 grown in row 6911. N05:         6912×6911/4 was the source given to one of the harvested ears         from this cross.     -   Winter, Year 7-Year 8: Seeds of the parent 1 line from source         E05: 8525/1. were grown in the Seminis Melipilla, Chile nursery         in range 20 column 8. Plants were crossed by parent 2 from         source N05: 6912×6911/4 grown in range 20 column 29. 05 10 6R,         6R MSME-E2_(—)00020_(—)00028_@_/ was the source given to a bulk         of pollinated ears from this cross. This made the F1 generation.     -   Summer, Year 8: Seeds from source 05 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E2_(—)00020_(—)00028_@_/ were grown in range 123 column 22         of the Monsanto Kihei, Hawaii nursery field HIKIK40-KHI-KAU1-31.         Plants were cross pollinated by a haploid inducer stock.         Harvested kernels of the DH0 generation were given the source         designation 06 06 31 31         HIKIK40-KHI-KAU1-31_(—)00123_(—)00022_@_%.     -   Winter, Year 8-Year 9: Putative haploid kernels were selected         from source 06 06 31 31         HIKIK40-KHI-KAU1-31_(—)00123_(—)00022_@_%. These kernels were         treated with colchicine during germination and the germinated         seedlings were transplanted to the Seminis Melipilla, Chile         nursery. Plants which shed pollen were self pollinated to make         the DH1 generation. Kernels harvested are expected to be doubled         haploids. The source designation 06 10 6R, 6R         MSME-EDH_(—)00001_(—)00010_(—)2_. was given to one of the         harvested doubled haploid ears. This line was given the name         SHY-6RLAL201.     -   SUMMER, Year 9: Seed of inbred SHY-6RLAL201 from source 06 10         6R, 6R MSME-EDH_(—)00001_(—)00010_(—)2_. was planted in range 6         column 23 of field WIDE-IB1 of the Seminis DeForest, WI station         and plants were self pollinated to make the DH2 generation. 07         04 6R, 6R WIDE-IB1_(—)00006_(—)00023_@_. was the source given to         a bulk of the harvested self pollinated ears.     -   Winter, Year 9-Year 10: Seed of source 07 04 6R, 6R         WIDE-IB1_(—)00006_(—)00023_@_. was planted in range 8 column 44         of field MSME-E2 of the Seminis Melipilla, Chile nursery. Plants         were self pollinated to make the DH3 generation. 07 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E2_(—)00008_(—)00044_(—)1_. was the source given to one of         the harvested ears.     -   Winter, Year 10-Year 11: Seed of source 07 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E2_(—)00008_(—)00044_(—)1_. was grown in the Seminis         Melipilla, Chile nursery in range 10 column 1 of field MSME-E1         and plants were self pollinated to make the DH4 generation. 08         10 6R, 6R MSME-E1_(—)00010_(—)00001_(—)1_. was the source given         to one of the self pollinated ears.     -   Winter, Year 11-Year 12: Seed from source 08 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E1_(—)00010_(—)00001_(—)1_ was planted in range 28 columns         6-13 of field MSME-E1 in the Seminis Melipilla, Chile nursery         and plants were self pollinated to make the DH5 generation.         Plants and harvested ears were observed to be uniform for all         traits observed. Twenty-seven of the harvested ears from these         rows were given the source designation 09 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E1_(—)00028_(—)00013_(—)1_. thru 09 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E1_(—)00028_(—)00013_(—)27_. and these ears were sent to         Foundation Seed as the breeder's seed increase of this inbred.         -   In winter Year 12, 30 plants from source 08 10 6R, 6R             MSME-E1_(—)00010_(—)00001_(—)1_. were grown in the             greenhouse and inoculated with a d-virulent isolate of             Puccinia sorghi. All 30 plants were resistant which verified             the presence of the RpG gene in this stock and indicates the             line is homozygous for this allele.

Sweet corn inbred SHY-6RLAL201 was reproduced by self pollination in the winter Year 11-Year 12 in Melipilla, Chile nursery and was judged to be stable. 27 single ears were sent to Foundation Seed as Breeder's Seed. Inbred SHY-6RLAL201 is uniform for all traits observed. SHY-6RLAL201 shows no variants other than what would normally be expected due to environment or that would occur for almost any character during the course of repeated sexual reproduction.

SHY-6RKCT030 is a yellow sweet corn inbred which is homozygous for the recessive sh2 gene. The line has resistance to Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) and Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus (MDMV). SHY-6RKCT030 also has the compound gene RpG59 which provides resistance to some races of Puccinia sorghi. This “compound gene” was developed by Dr. Scot Hulbert while he was at Kansas State University and was released to the public (Hu, G. and S. H. Hulbert. 1996. Construction of ‘compound’ rust genes in maize. Euphytica 87: 45-51).

SHY-6RKCT030 was produced by breeding and selection as described below:

-   -   Winter Year 1-Year 2: The inbred line SEPN9R1 (a proprietary         Seminis inbred) was grown in a Hawaii nursery on Molokai in row         9398 and was crossed onto a stock grown in row 9343 carrying the         compound gene RpG59. This stock was obtained from Dr. Jerald         Pataky of the University of Illinois which he had obtained from         Dr. Scott Hulbert. It had been coded Seminis accession B34. The         Molokai nursery was grown by Hawaiian Research Ltd. under a         contract with Seminis. The source designation H00: 9398×9343/1         was given to the F1 cross.     -   Summer Year 2: The F1 from source H00: 9398×9343/1 was grown in         row 4172 of the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery and crossed onto a         plant of inbred line SHW084-SHFSM8348W (a proprietary Seminis         inbred) grown in row 3888. The source N00: 3888×4172/1 was given         to seed harvested from that cross.     -   Winter Year 2-Year 3: Seeds from source N00: 3888×4172/1 were         planted in Homestead, Florida nursery row 1819 and cross         pollinated by inbred N1217NP2 (a proprietary Seminis inbred now         renamed SHW084-5006) in nursery row 1818. This inbred had         resistance to Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus and Sugarcane Mosaic         Virus. The nursery was grown for Seminis by 27 Farms who were         paid for their services. The source of C01: 1819×1818/2 was         given to one of the ears of the cross.     -   Summer Year 3: Seeds from source C01: 1819×1818/2 were planted         in row 4119 of the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery and crossed onto         a plant of inbred line N1217NP2 grown in row 4118. The source         N01: 4119×4118/B1 was given to a bulk of the seed harvested from         that cross.     -   Winter Year 3-Year 4: Seeds from source N01: 4119×4118/B 1 were         planted in Homestead, Florida nursery row 445 and cross         pollinated by inbred AN8200EQ2 (a proprietary Seminis inbred) in         nursery row 444. This inbred had resistance to Maize Dwarf         Mosaic Virus and Sugarcane Mosaic Virus. The nursery was grown         for Seminis by 27 Farms who were paid for their services. The         source of C02: 445×444/1 was given to one of the ears of the         cross.     -   Summer Year 4: Seeds from source C02: 445×444/1 were planted in         row 5259 of the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery and cross         pollinated by inbred AN8200EQ2 grown in row 5258. The source of         N02: 5259×5258/1 was given to one of the harvested ears of the         cross.     -   Winter Year 4-Year 5: Seeds from source N02: 5259×5258/1 were         planted in the Seminis Melipilla, Chile nursery row 8217. Plants         were self pollinated to make the F2 generation. The source of         E03: 8217/2. was given to one of the self pollinated ears.     -   Summer Year 5: Seeds from source E03: 8217/2. were planted in         row 6253 of the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery. Plants were self         pollinated to make the F3 generation. The source of N03: 6523/1.         was given to one of the self pollinated ears.     -   Winter Year 5-Year 6: Seeds from source N03: 6523/1. were         planted in row 1982 of the Homestead, Florida nursery. The         nursery was grown for Seminis by 27 Farms who were paid for         their services. Plants were self pollinated to make the F4         generation. The source of C04: 1982/2. was given to one of the         self pollinated ears.     -   Summer Year 6: Seeds from source C04: 1982/2. were planted in         row 5407 of the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery. Plants were self         pollinated to make the F5 generation. The source of N04: 5407/1.         was given to one of the self pollinated ears.     -   Winter Year 6-Year 7: Seeds from source N04: 5407/1. were         planted in row 257 of the Homestead, Florida nursery. The         nursery was grown for Seminis by 27 Farms who were paid for         their services. Plants were self pollinated to make the F6         generation. The source of C05: 257/1. was given to one of the         self pollinated ears.     -   Summer Year 7: Seeds from source C05: 257/1. were planted in row         8144 of the Seminis DeForest, WI nursery. Plants were inoculated         with Sugarcane Mosaic Virus and with Puccinia sorghi. The sweet         corn hybrid Misquamicut was grown in the Seminis DeForest, WI         nursery row 7298 and was crossed by a plant from source C05:         257/1 grown in row 8144 which was resistant to both Puccinia         sorghi and to Sugarcane Mosaic Virus. The source N05:         7298×8144/2 was given to one of the ears from that cross.     -   Winter Year 7-Year 8: Seeds from source N05: 7298×8144/2 were         planted in range 5 column 10 of field MSME-E2 of the Monsanto         Melipilla, Chile nursery and self pollinated. The source 05 10         6R, 6R MSME-E2_(—)00014_(—)00032_(—)10_. was given to seed from         one of the harvested self pollinated ears.     -   Summer Year 8: Seeds from source 05 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E2_(—)00014_(—)00032_(—)10_. were planted in range 3 column         6 (row 4848) of field WIDE-IBMDM in the Monsanto DeForest, WI         nursery and crossed onto inbred SHY084-5023 (a proprietary         Monsanto sweet corn inbred) grown in range 19 column 23 (row         5400). The source 06 04 6R, 6R         WIDE-IBMDM_(—)00019_(—)00023_(—)1_/ was given to one of the ears         from that cross.     -   Winter Year 8-Year 9: Seeds from source 06 04 6R, 6R         WIDE-IBMDM_(—)00019_(—)00023_(—)1_/ were planted in range 7         column 46 (plot 13860) of the Monsanto Melipilla, Chile nursery         and crossed by inbred SHY084-5023 grown in range 7 column 47         (row 13861). The source 06 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E2_(—)00007_(—)00046_(—)1_> was given to one of the ears of         this cross.     -   Summer Year 9: Seeds from source 06 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E2_(—)00007_(—)00046_(—)1_> were planted in range 24 column         23 of the Monsanto nursery at Kihei, Hawaii. Plants were         detasseled and pollinated by a haploid inducer stock. The         harvested kernels were selected for putative haploid kernels         based on a color marker. The putative haploid kernels were         treated with colchicine and germinated at the Monsanto facility         in Rancagua, Chile. The seedlings were then transplanted in the         Monsanto nursery at Melipilla, Chile and self pollinated to make         the DH1 generation. The source designation 07 10 6R, 6R         MSMEE0-DH0_(—)00006_(—)00001_(—)1030_. was given to one of the         self pollinated ears of one of the haploid plants. This         dihaploid inbred was given the LINECODE of SHY-6RKCT030.     -   Summer Year 10: 2008: Seeds from source 07 10 6R, 6R         MSMEE0-DH0_(—)00006_(—)00001_(—)1030_. were planted in range 12         column 21 of the Monsanto DeForest, WI nursery and self         pollinated to make the DH2 generation. The source 08 04 6R, 6R         WIDE-IB2_(—)00012_(—)00021_(—)1_. was given to one of the selfed         ears.     -   Winter Year 10-Year 11: Seeds from source 08 04 6R, 6R         WIDE-IB2_(—)00012_(—)00021_(—)1_. were planted in greenhouse         experiment 09 10 6R, 6R WIDE-EXP-03 and plants were inoculated         with both a d-virulent race of Puccinia sorghi and with         Sugarcane Mosaic Virus. Of the 6 plants tested, all were         resistant to both pathogens. Seeds from source 08 04 6R, 6R         WIDE-IB2_(—)00012_(—)00021_(—)1_. were also planted in range 5         column 14 of the Monsanto Melipilla, Chile nursery and self         pollinated to make the DH3 generation. The source 08 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E1_(—)00005_(—)00014_(—)1_. was given to one of the self         pollinated ears.     -   Winter Year 11-Year 12: Seeds from source 08 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E1_(—)00005_(—)00014_(—)1_. were planted in greenhouse         experiment 10 10 6R, 6R-EXP-20 and plants were inoculated with         both a d-virulent race of Puccinia sorghi and with Sugarcane         Mosaic Virus. Of the 13 plants tested, all were resistant to         both pathogens. Seeds from source 08 10 6R, 6R         MSME-E1_(—)00005_(—)00014_(—)1_. were also planted in range 28         columns 14 thru 21 of the Monsanto Melipilla, Chile nursery.         Plants were observed to be uniform for all traits observed.         Plants were self pollinated to make the DH4 generation. The         sources 09 10 6R, 6R MSME-E1_(—)00028_(—)00021_(—)1_. thru 09 10         6R, 6R MSME-E1_(—)00028_(—)00021_(—)41_. were given to 41 self         pollinated ears harvested from these rows. These 41 ears were         sent to Foundation Seed as a breeder's seed increase. All ears         were uniform in appearance.

Sweet corn inbred SHY-6RKCT030 was reproduced by self pollination in the winter Year 11-Year 12 Melipilla, Chile nursery and was judged to be stable. Greenhouse testing verified resistance to Puccinia sorghi and Sugarcane Mosaic Virus. 41 DH ears were sent to Foundation Seed as Breeder's Seed. Inbred SHY-6RKCT030 is uniform for all traits observed. SHY-6RKCT030 shows no variants other than what would normally be expected due to environment or that would occur for almost any character during the course of repeated sexual reproduction.

B. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SWEET CORN HYBRID 11-6R-SHY-1514, SWEET CORN LINE SHY-6RLAL201 AND SWEET CORN LINE SHY-6RKCT030

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant having the physiological and morphological characteristics of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and the parent lines thereof. A description of the physiological and morphological characteristics of such plants is presented in Tables 1-3.

TABLE 1 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 Comparison Characteristic 11-6R-SHY-1514 Variety - Basin 1. Type sweet sweet 2. Region where developed in the north central north central U.S.A. 3. Maturity in the Region of Best Adaptability from emergence to 50% of days: 59 days: 59 plants in silk heat units: 1107.35 heat units: 963.47 from emergence to 50% of days: 49 days: 53 plants in pollen heat units: 908.05 heat units: 867.85 from 10% to 90% pollen shed days: 4 days: 10 heat units: 98.05 heat units: 196.6 from 50% silk to optimum days: 7 days: 19 edible quality heat units: 175.9 heat units: 394.62 from 50% silk to harvest at days: 65 days: 67 25% moisture heat units 1381.2 heat units: 1342.2 foliage: intensity of green dark medium color 4. Plant ratio height of insertion of medium medium upper ear to plant length peduncle length medium medium plant height (to tassel tip) 208.4 cm 181.93 cm standard deviation: 10.9796 standard deviation: 10.6002 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 ear height (to base of top ear 73.3 cm 51.03 cm node) standard deviation: 9.7809 standard deviation: 5.1 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 length of top ear internode 15.4 cm 15.58 cm standard deviation: 1.2798 standard deviation: 1.1509 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 average number of tillers 1.1 avg 2.03 avg standard deviation: 1.0609 standard deviation: 0.7773 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 average number of ears per 2.3 avg 2.15 avg stalk standard deviation: 0.6172 standard deviation: 0.4879 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 anthocyanin of brace roots faint absent 5. Leaf first leaf: anthocyanin absent or very weak absent or very weak coloration of sheath first leaf: shape of apex pointed small undulation of margin of blade intermediate moderately recurved angle between blade and stem large absent or very weak (on leaf just above upper ear) curvature of blade strongly recurved wide anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak sheath (in middle of plant) width of blade wide wide width of ear node leaf in 9.1 cm 8.65 cm centimeters standard deviation: 0.3355 standard deviation: 0.6076 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 length of ear node leaf in 78.8 cm 78.46 cm centimeters standard deviation: 2.3585 standard deviation: 3.6727 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 number of leaves above top   6.7   5.73 ear standard deviation: 0.4577 standard deviation: 0.6361 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 degrees leaf angle 73   62.5 color 5GY 4/4 5gy 3/4 sheath pubescence (1 = none to 3 6 9 = like peach fuzz) marginal waves (1 = none to 5 3 9 = many) longitudinal creases (1 = none 1 1 to 9 = many) stem: degree of zig-zag absent or very slight slight stem: anthocyanin coloration weak absent or very weak of brace roots stem: anthocyanin coloration absent or very weak absent or very weak of internodes 6. Tassel time of anthesis (on middle early very early to early third of main axis, 50% of plants) anthocyanin coloration at base weak absent or very weak of glume (in middle third of main axis) anthocyanin coloration of medium absent or very weak glumes excluding base anthocyanin coloration of very strong absent or very weak anthers (in middle third of main axis) angle between main axis and medium very small lateral branches (in lower third of tassel) curvature of lateral branches moderately recurved moderately recurved (in lower third of tassel) number of primary lateral many medium branches density of spikelets moderately dense medium length of main axis above very long very long lowest lateral branch (A-B) length of main axis above long very long highest lateral branch (C-D) length of lateral branch long long number of primary lateral  28.4   21.81 branches standard deviation: 2.5875 standard deviation: 3.3819 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 branch angle from central  52.1  59.7 spike standard deviation: 6.2434 standard deviation: 14.0325 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 length (from top leaf collar to 40.9 cm 42.15 cm tassel tip) standard deviation: 3.575 standard deviation: 3.1474 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 pollen shed (0 = male sterile to 8 7 9 = heavy shed) anther color 5RP 3/4 2.5gy 7/6 glume color 5GY 7/6 2.5gy 7/4 bar glumes (glume bands) absent absent 7. Ear (unhusked data) silk color 2.5GY 8/8 2.5gy 8/10 (3 days after emergence) (unhusked data) fresh husk 2.5GY 7/6 2.5gy 8/6 color (25 days after 50% silking) (unhusked data) dry husk 2.5Y 8/4 5y 8/4 color (65 days after 50% silking) (unhusked data) position of horizontal upright ear at dry husk stage (unhusked data) husk 2 4 tightness (1 = very loose to 9 = very tight) (unhusked data) husk Medium (<8 cm) medium extension (at harvest) (husked ear data) ear length 16.8 cm 20.2 cm standard deviation: 1.6438 standard deviation: 1.0897 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 (husked ear data) ear diameter 41.5 mm 42.9 mm at mid-point standard deviation: 2.1998 standard deviation: 1.6009 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 (husked ear data) ear weight 76 gm 111.65 gm standard deviation: 14.2277 standard deviation: 16.4611 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 (husked ear data) number of  18.4 16  kernel rows standard deviation: 1.7647 standard deviation: 1.2628 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 (husked ear data) kernel rows distinct distinct (husked ear data) row slightly curved straight alignment (husked ear data) shank length 14.7 cm 13.2 cm standard deviation: 4.1527 standard deviation: 1.8533 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 (husked ear data) ear taper average slight length medium long diameter (in middle) medium medium shape conico-cylindrical conico-cylindrical number of rows of grain many medium number of colors of grains one two (only varieties with ear type of grain: sweet or waxy) grain: intensity of yellow medium dark color (only varieties with ear type of grain: sweet) grain: length (only varieties medium medium with ear type of grain: sweet) grain: width (only varieties medium medium with ear type of grain: sweet) type of grain sweet sweet shrinkage of top of grain (only medium weak varieties with ear type of grain: sweet) color of top of grain yellow yellow orange anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak glumes of cob time of silk emergence (50% early to medium early to medium of plants) anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak silks 8. Kernel (dried) length 9.7 mm 10.5 mm standard deviation: 0.7636 standard deviation: 0.7452 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 width 5.8 mm 6.4 mm standard deviation: 0.5841 standard deviation: 0.9386 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 thickness 3.2 mm 3.85 mm standard deviation: 0.8492 standard deviation: 0.8389 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 % round kernels (shape grade) 0% 0% sample size: 100 sample size: 200 aleurone color pattern homozygous homozygous aleurone color 7.5YR 7/8 5y 8/10 hard endosperm color 7.5YR 7/8 5y 8/10 endosperm type sweet (su1) sweet weight per 100 kernels 9 gm 13.5 gm (unsized sample) standard deviation: 0 standard deviation: 1 sample size: 100 sample size: 200 9. Cob diameter at mid-point in  25.1   25.59 millimeters standard deviation: 1.5783 standard deviation: 1.3439 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 color 5Y 8/2 5y 8/12 12.  Agronomic Traits stay green (at 65 days after 3 4 anthesis) (from 1 = worst to 9 = excellent) dropped ears 36%  6.50%   % pre-anthesis brittle 0% 0% snapping % pre-anthesis root lodging 0% 0% post-anthesis root lodging 0% 6.80%   *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 2 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Sweet Corn Line SHY-6RLAL201 Comparison Characteristic SHY-6RLAL201 Variety - FA32 1. Type sweet sweet 2. Region where developed in the north central north central U.S.A. 3. Maturity in the Region of Best Adaptability from emergence to 50% of days: 60 days: 76 plants in silk heat units: 1129.05 heat units: 1351.92 from emergence to 50% of days: 59 days: 80 plants in pollen heat units: 1107.35 heat units: 1436.32 from 10% to 90% pollen shed days: 6 days: 9 heat units: 153.25 heat units: 177.35 from 50% silk to optimum days: 17 days: 20 edible quality heat units: 377.8 heat units: 412.22 from 50% silk to harvest at days: 65 days: 65 25% moisture heat units: 1376.8 heat units: 1286.67 foliage: intensity of green medium medium color 4. Plant ratio height of insertion of small medium upper ear to plant length peduncle length medium very long plant height (to tassel tip) 151.8 cm 137.1 cm standard deviation: 10.0601 standard deviation: 11.3489 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 ear height (to base of top ear 32.9 cm 46.65 cm node) standard deviation: 6.3128 standard deviation: 8.3929 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 length of top ear internode 11.3 cm 11.15 cm standard deviation: 2.313 standard deviation: 1.0291 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 average number of tillers 0.8 avg 3.75 avg standard deviation: 0.7432 standard deviation: 1.232 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 average number of ears per 2 avg 1.8 avg stalk standard deviation: 0.6546 standard deviation: 0.25 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 anthocyanin of brace roots absent absent 5. Leaf first leaf: anthocyanin absent or very weak absent or very weak coloration of sheath first leaf: shape of apex pointed to rounded pointed undulation of margin of blade intermediate intermediate angle between blade and stem medium medium (on leaf just above upper ear) curvature of blade moderately recurved moderately recurved anthocyanin coloration of absent of very weak absent of very weak sheath (in middle of plant) width of blade narrow medium width of ear node leaf in 7.3 cm 7.8 cm centimeters standard deviation: 0.5462 standard deviation: 0.4613 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 length of ear node leaf in 68.2 cm 72.7 cm centimeters standard deviation: 3.5271 standard deviation: 7.6509 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 number of leaves above top   7.5   5.45 ear standard deviation: 1.1254 standard deviation: 0.6368 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 degrees leaf angle 62° 45° color 5GY 3/4 7.5gy 4/4 sheath pubescence (1 = none to 2 5 9 = like peach fuzz) marginal waves (1 = none to 4 5 9 = many) longitudinal creases (1 = none 3 1 to 9 = many) stem: degree of zig-zag slight absent or very weak stem: anthocyanin coloration absent or very weak absent or very weak of brace roots stem: anthocyanin coloration absent or very weak absent or very weak of internodes 6. Tassel time of anthesis (on middle medium late to very late third of main axis, 50% of plants) anthocyanin coloration at base absent or very weak absent or very weak of glume (in middle third of main axis) anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak glumes excluding base anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak anthers (in middle third of main axis) angle between main axis and medium small lateral branches (in lower third of tassel) curvature of lateral branches moderately recurved slightly recurved (in lower third of tassel) number of primary lateral very many medium branches density of spikelets moderately dense medium length of main axis above long medium lowest lateral branch (A-B) length of main axis above long short highest lateral branch (C-D) length of lateral branch short long number of primary lateral 39.8 20.7 branches standard deviation: 4.3293 standard deviation: 2.374 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 branch angle from central 42.8° 50.65° spike standard deviation: 7.14 standard deviation: 10.2255 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 length (from top leaf collar to 26.5 cm 46.2 cm tassel tip) standard deviation: 1.6198 standard deviation: 5.2423 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 pollen shed (0 = male sterile to 5 7 9 = heavy shed) anther color 2.5Y 8/6 5y 8/8 glume color 5GY 7/6 5y 7/6 bar glumes (glume bands) absent absent 7. Ear (unhusked data) silk color 2.5GY 8/10 2.5gy 8/10 (3 days after emergence) (unhusked data) fresh husk 2.5GY 8/6 5gy 7/8 color (25 days after 50% silking) (unhusked data) dry husk 5Y 8/4 2.5y 8/4 color (65 days after 50% silking) (unhusked data) position of upright upright ear at dry husk stage (unhusked data) husk 6 3 tightness (1 = very loose to 9 = very tight) (unhusked data) husk long (8-10 cm beyond long extension (at harvest) the ear tip) (husked ear data) ear length 11.3 cm 10.5 cm standard deviation: 0.9733 standard deviation: 1.7386 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 (husked ear data) ear diameter 41.5 mm 28.95 mm at mid-point standard deviation: 3.0797 standard deviation: 4.3197 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 (husked ear data) ear weight 47.1 gm 24 gm standard deviation: 10.9861 standard deviation: 8.384 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 (husked ear data) number of  18.4  10.1 kernel rows standard deviation: 1.2983 standard deviation: 2.9065 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 (husked ear data) kernel rows distinct distinct (husked ear data) row slightly curved straight alignment (husked ear data) shank length 12.8 cm 23.4 cm standard deviation: 3.5374 standard deviation: 9.5326 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 (husked ear data) ear taper extreme average length short short diameter (in middle) medium small shape conical conico-cylindrical number of rows of grain many medium number of colors of grains one one (only varieties with ear type of grain: sweet or waxy) grain: intensity of yellow medium medium color (only varieties with ear type of grain: sweet) grain: length (only varieties long medium with ear type of grain: sweet) grain: width (only varieties medium medium with ear type of grain: sweet) type of grain sweet sweet shrinkage of top of grain (only medium strong varieties with ear type of grain: sweet) color of top of grain yellow yellow anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak glumes of cob time of silk emergence (50% medium late to very late of plants) anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak silks 8. Kernel (dried) length 11.1 mm 7 mm standard deviation: 1.4749 standard deviation: 1.0242 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 width 7.3 mm 6 mm standard deviation: 0.5011 standard deviation: 0.694 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 thickness 2.47 mm 5.25 mm standard deviation: 0.3863 standard deviation: 1.191 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 % round kernels (shape grade) 0.00%   1% standard deviation: standard deviation: 0 sample size: 100 sample size: 200 aleurone color pattern homozygous homozygous aleurone color 2.5Y 8/8 2.5y 8/8 hard endosperm color 2.5Y 8/8 2.5y 8/8 endosperm type sweet (su1) sweet weight per 100 kernels 10 gm 12.0 gm (unsized sample) standard deviation: standard deviation: n/a sample size: 100 sample size: 200 9. Cob diameter at mid-point 25.5 mm 22.35 mm standard deviation: 2.4979 standard deviation: 2.528 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 color 5Y 8/4 2.5y 8/2 12.  Agronomic Traits stay green (at 65 days after 3 3 anthesis) (from 1 = worst to 9 = excellent) dropped ears 0.00%   0% % pre-anthesis brittle 0% 0% snapping % pre-anthesis root lodging 0% 0% post-anthesis root lodging 0.00%   0.00%   *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 3 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Sweet Corn Line SHY-6RKCT030 Comparison Characteristic SHY-6RKCT030 Variety - FA32 1. Type sweet sweet 2. Region where developed in the north central north central U.S.A. 3. Maturity in the Region of Best Adaptability from emergence to 50% of days: 64 days: 76 plants in silk heat units: 1251.2 heat units: 1351.92 from emergence to 50% of days: 64 days: 80 plants in pollen heat units: 1251.2 heat units: 1436.32 from 10% to 90% pollen shed days: 4 days: 9 heat units: 106.95 heat units: 177.35 from 50% silk to optimum days: 22 days: 20 edible quality heat units: 470.7 heat units: 412.22 from 50% silk to harvest at days: 65 days: 65 25% moisture heat units: 1353.7 heat units: 1286.67 foliage: intensity of green medium medium color 4. Plant length (tassel included) long short (inbred lines only) ratio height of insertion of medium medium upper ear to plant length peduncle length short very long plant height (to tassel tip) 162.4 cm 137.1 cm standard deviation: 9.334 standard deviation: 11.3489 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 ear height (to base of top ear 54.8 cm 46.65 cm node) standard deviation: 14.8124 standard deviation: 8.3929 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 length of top ear internode 11.6 cm 11.15 cm standard deviation: 1.4695 standard deviation: 1.0291 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 average number of tillers 1.7 avg 3.75 avg standard deviation: 1.0997 standard deviation: 1.232 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 average number of ears per 3.3 avg 1.8 avg stalk standard deviation: 0.9759 standard deviation: 0.25 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 anthocyanin of brace roots absent absent 5. Leaf first leaf: anthocyanin absent or very weak absent or very weak coloration of sheath first leaf: shape of apex pointed pointed undulation of margin of blade intermediate intermediate angle between blade and stem medium medium (on leaf just above upper ear) curvature of blade moderately recurved moderately recurved anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak sheath (in middle of plant) width of blade wide medium width of ear node leaf in 10.3 cm 7.8 cm centimeters standard deviation: 0.3514 standard deviation: 0.4613 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 length of ear node leaf in 76.3 cm  72.7 centimeters standard deviation: 2.8751 standard deviation: 7.6509 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 number of leaves above top 6.2 cm 5.45 cm ear standard deviation: 0.5936 standard deviation: 0.6368 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 degrees leaf angle 50  45  color 5GY 3/4 7.5gy 4/4 sheath pubescence (1 = none to 3 5 9 = like peach fuzz) marginal waves (1 = none to 3 5 9 = many) longitudinal creases (1 = none 4 1 to 9 = many) stem: degree of zig-zag absent or very slight absent or very weak stem: anthocyanin coloration absent or very weak absent or very weak of brace roots stem: anthocyanin coloration absent or very weak absent or very weak of internodes 6. Tassel time of anthesis (on middle late late to very late third of main axis, 50% of plants) anthocyanin coloration at base absent or very weak absent or very weak of glume (in middle third of main axis) anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak glumes excluding base anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak anthers (in middle third of main axis) angle between main axis and medium small lateral branches (in lower third of tassel) curvature of lateral branches moderately recurved slightly recurved (in lower third of tassel) number of primary lateral many medium branches density of spikelets medium medium length of main axis above very long medium lowest lateral branch (A-B) length of main axis above medium short highest lateral branch (C-D) length of lateral branch long long number of primary lateral  26.9  20.7 branches standard deviation: 3.3693 standard deviation: 2.374 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 branch angle from central 47    50.65 spike standard deviation: 7.9731 standard deviation: 10.2255 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 length (from top leaf collar to 34 cm 46.2 cm tassel tip) standard deviation: 2.4703 standard deviation: 5.2423 sample size: 15 sample size: 18 pollen shed (0 = male sterile to 6 7 9 = heavy shed) anther color 5GY 7/6 5y 8/8 glume color 5GY 6/4 5y 7/6 bar glumes (glume bands) absent absent 7. Ear (unhusked data) silk color 2.5GY 8/8 2.5 gy 8/10 (3 days after emergence) (unhusked data) fresh husk 5GY 5/8 5 gy 7/8 color (25 days after 50% silking) (unhusked data) dry husk 2.5Y 8/4 2.5 y 8/4 color (65 days after 50% silking) (unhusked data) position of horizontal upright ear at dry husk stage (unhusked data) husk 2 3 tightness (1 = very loose to 9 = very tight) (unhusked data) husk short long extension (at harvest) (ears exposed) (husked ear data) ear length 15.8 cm 10.5 cm standard deviation: 1.7228 standard deviation: 1.7386 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 (husked ear data) ear diameter 36.5 mm 28.95 mm at mid-point standard deviation: 1.8199 standard deviation: 4.3197 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 (husked ear data) ear weight 48.1 gm 24 gm standard deviation: 12.0111 standard deviation: 8.384 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 (husked ear data) number of  14.8  10.1 kernel rows standard deviation: 2.0071 standard deviation: 2.9065 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 (husked ear data) kernel rows distinct distinct (husked ear data) row straight straight alignment (husked ear data) shank length 14 cm 23.4 cm standard deviation: 2.5271 standard deviation: 9.5326 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 (husked ear data) ear taper slight average length medium short diameter (in middle) medium small shape conico-cylindrical conico-cylindrical number of rows of grain medium medium number of colors of grains one one (only varieties with ear type of grain: sweet or waxy) grain: intensity of yellow dark medium color (only varieties with ear type of grain: sweet) grain: length (only varieties medium medium with ear type of grain: sweet) grain: width (only varieties medium medium with ear type of grain: sweet) type of grain sweet sweet shrinkage of top of grain (only strong strong varieties with ear type of grain: sweet) color of top of grain orange yellow anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak glumes of cob time of silk emergence (50% late late to very late of plants) anthocyanin coloration of absent or very weak absent or very weak silks 8. Kernel (dried) length 8.9 mm 7 mm standard deviation: 0.7099 standard deviation: 1.0242 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 width 5.1 mm 6 mm standard deviation: 0.8101 standard deviation: 0.694 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 thickness 2.3 mm 5.25 mm standard deviation: 0.8374 standard deviation: 1.191 sample size: 15 sample size: 30 % round kernels (shape grade) 0% 1% sample size: 100 sample size: 200 aleurone color pattern homozygous homozygous aleurone color 7.5YR 7/10 2.5 y 8/8 hard endosperm color 7.5YR 7/10 2.5 y 8/8 endosperm type sweet (su1) sweet weight per 100 kernels 10 gm 12 gm (unsized sample) sample size: 100 sample size: 200 9. Cob diameter at mid-point 22.1 mm 22.35 mm standard deviation: 1.3515 standard deviation: 2.528 sample size: 15 sample size: 22 color 2.5Y 8/4 2.5 y 8/2 12.  Agronomic Traits stay green (at 65 days after 3 3 anthesis) (from 1 = worst to 9 = excellent) dropped ears 20%  0% % pre-anthesis brittle 0 0 snapping % pre-anthesis root lodging 0 0 post-anthesis root lodging 25%  *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention.

C. BREEDING CORN PLANTS

One aspect of the current invention concerns methods for producing seed of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 involving crossing sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the invention, hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, line SHY-6RLAL201, or line SHY-6RKCT030 may be crossed with itself or with any second plant. Such methods can be used for propagation of hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or the sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030, or can be used to produce plants that are derived from hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or the sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030. Plants derived from hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or the sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 may be used, in certain embodiments, for the development of new corn varieties.

The development of new varieties using one or more starting varieties is well known in the art. In accordance with the invention, novel varieties may be created by crossing hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 followed by multiple generations of breeding according to such well known methods. New varieties may be created by crossing with any second plant. In selecting such a second plant to cross for the purpose of developing novel lines, it may be desired to choose those plants which either themselves exhibit one or more selected desirable characteristics or which exhibit the desired characteristic(s) when in hybrid combination. Once initial crosses have been made, inbreeding and selection take place to produce new varieties. For development of a uniform line, often five or more generations of selfing and selection are involved.

Uniform lines of new varieties may also be developed by way of double-haploids. This technique allows the creation of true breeding lines without the need for multiple generations of selfing and selection. In this manner true breeding lines can be produced in as little as one generation. Haploid embryos may be produced from microspores, pollen, anther cultures, or ovary cultures. The haploid embryos may then be doubled autonomously, or by chemical treatments (e.g. colchicine treatment). Alternatively, haploid embryos may be grown into haploid plants and treated to induce chromosome doubling. In either case, fertile homozygous plants are obtained. In accordance with the invention, any of such techniques may be used in connection with a plant of the invention and progeny thereof to achieve a homozygous line.

Backcrossing can also be used to improve an inbred plant. Backcrossing transfers a specific desirable trait from one inbred or non-inbred source to an inbred that lacks that trait. This can be accomplished, for example, by first crossing a superior inbred (A) (recurrent parent) to a donor inbred (non-recurrent parent), which carries the appropriate locus or loci for the trait in question. The progeny of this cross are then mated back to the superior recurrent parent (A) followed by selection in the resultant progeny for the desired trait to be transferred from the non-recurrent parent. After five or more backcross generations with selection for the desired trait, the progeny have the characteristic being transferred, but are like the superior parent for most or almost all other loci. The last backcross generation would be selfed to give pure breeding progeny for the trait being transferred.

The plants of the present invention are particularly well suited for the development of new lines based on the elite nature of the genetic background of the plants. In selecting a second plant to cross with 11-6R-SHY-1514 and/or sweet corn lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030 for the purpose of developing novel corn lines, it will typically be preferred to choose those plants which either themselves exhibit one or more selected desirable characteristics or which exhibit the desired characteristic(s) when in hybrid combination. Examples of desirable traits may include, in specific embodiments, male sterility, herbicide resistance, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, insect resistance, male fertility, sugar content, and enhanced nutritional quality.

D. PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

As described above, hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 exhibits desirable agronomic traits. The performance characteristics of hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 were the subject of an objective analysis of the performance traits relative to other varieties. The results of the analysis are presented below.

TABLE 4 Performance Data for Hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and Comparative Variety HEAT PERCENT OF EARS WITH A ROW UNITS COUNT OF: TO PLANT EAR EAR EAR Greater Planting MID- HEIGHT HEIGHT LENGTH DIAMETER than Date HYBRID Rep# SILK (inches) (inches) (inches (inches) 12 14 16 18 20 20 May 20, 2011 11-6R-SHY- 1 1298 63 22 8.7 2 0 0 10 30 60 0 1514 May 20, 2011 11-6R-SHY- 2 1298 71 27 8.5 2 0 0 10 20 70 0 1514 May 20, 2011 11-6R-SHY- 3 1239 86 29 8.8 0 0 0 0 0 0 1514 AVERAGE 1278.3 73.3 26.0 8.7 2.0 0.0 0.0 6.7 16.7 43.3 0.0 May 20, 2011 BASIN R 1 1267 81 37 9.3 1.7 0 60 40 0 0 0 May 20, 2011 BASIN R 2 1267 74 33 9.2 1.7 10 60 30 0 0 0 May 20, 2011 BASIN R 3 1239 82 26 9.3 1.6 0 50 30 20 0 0 AVERAGE 1257.7 79.0 32.0 9.3 1.7 3.3 56.7 33.3 6.7 0.0 0.0 Jun. 8, 2011 11-6R-SHY- 1 1278 85 30 8.2 2.1 0 0 10 20 70 0 1514 Jun. 8, 2011 11-6R-SHY- 2 1255 78 28 8.3 2.1 0 0 0 40 60 0 1514 Jun. 8, 2011 11-6R-SHY- 3 1255 79 27 8.1 2 0 0 20 20 60 0 1514 AVERAGE 1262.7 80.7 28.3 8.2 2.1 0.0 0.0 10.0 26.7 63.3 0.0 Jun. 8, 2011 BASIN R 1 1255 91 28 9.4 1.8 0 30 60 10 0 0 Jun. 8, 2011 BASIN R 2 1164 88 27 9.1 1.9 0 20 70 10 0 0 Jun. 8, 2011 BASIN R 3 1193 85 26 9.2 1.7 10 0 50 40 0 0 AVERAGE 1204.0 88.0 27.0 9.2 1.8 3.3 16.7 60.0 20.0 0.0 0.0 11-6R-SHY- TOT AVG 1270.5 77.0 27.2 8.4 2.0 0.0 0.0 8.3 21.7 53.3 0.0 1514 BASIN R TOT AVG 1230.8 83.5 29.5 9.3 1.7 3.3 36.7 46.7 13.3 0.0 0.0 TOT AVG—Total Average

E. FURTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In certain aspects of the invention, plants described herein are provided modified to include at least a first desired heritable trait. Such plants may, in one embodiment, be developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a variety are recovered in addition to a genetic locus transferred into the plant via the backcrossing technique. The term single locus converted plant as used herein refers to those corn plants which are developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a variety are recovered in addition to the single locus transferred into the variety via the backcrossing technique. By essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics, it is meant that the characteristics of a plant are recovered that are otherwise present when compared in the same environment, other than an occasional variant trait that might arise during backcrossing or direct introduction of a transgene.

Backcrossing methods can be used with the present invention to improve or introduce a characteristic into the present variety. The parental corn plant which contributes the locus for the desired characteristic is termed the nonrecurrent or donor parent. This terminology refers to the fact that the nonrecurrent parent is used one time in the backcross protocol and therefore does not recur. The parental corn plant to which the locus or loci from the nonrecurrent parent are transferred is known as the recurrent parent as it is used for several rounds in the backcrossing protocol.

In a typical backcross protocol, the original variety of interest (recurrent parent) is crossed to a second variety (nonrecurrent parent) that carries the single locus of interest to be transferred. The resulting progeny from this cross are then crossed again to the recurrent parent and the process is repeated until a corn plant is obtained wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the recurrent parent are recovered in the converted plant, in addition to the single transferred locus from the nonrecurrent parent.

The selection of a suitable recurrent parent is an important step for a successful backcrossing procedure. The goal of a backcross protocol is to alter or substitute a single trait or characteristic in the original variety. To accomplish this, a single locus of the recurrent variety is modified or substituted with the desired locus from the nonrecurrent parent, while retaining essentially all of the rest of the desired genetic, and therefore the desired physiological and morphological constitution of the original variety. The choice of the particular nonrecurrent parent will depend on the purpose of the backcross; one of the major purposes is to add some commercially desirable trait to the plant. The exact backcrossing protocol will depend on the characteristic or trait being altered and the genetic distance between the recurrent and nonrecurrent parents. Although backcrossing methods are simplified when the characteristic being transferred is a dominant allele, a recessive allele, or an additive allele (between recessive and dominant), may also be transferred. In this instance it may be necessary to introduce a test of the progeny to determine if the desired characteristic has been successfully transferred.

In one embodiment, progeny corn plants of a backcross in which a plant described herein is the recurrent parent comprise (i) the desired trait from the non-recurrent parent and (ii) all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of corn the recurrent parent as determined at the 5% significance level when grown in the same environmental conditions.

New varieties can also be developed from more than two parents. The technique, known as modified backcrossing, uses different recurrent parents during the backcrossing. Modified backcrossing may be used to replace the original recurrent parent with a variety having certain more desirable characteristics or multiple parents may be used to obtain different desirable characteristics from each.

With the development of molecular markers associated with particular traits, it is possible to add additional traits into an established germ line, such as represented here, with the end result being substantially the same base germplasm with the addition of a new trait or traits. Molecular breeding, as described in Moose and Mumm, 2008 (Plant Physiology, 147: 969-977), for example, and elsewhere, provides a mechanism for integrating single or multiple traits or QTL into an elite line. This molecular breeding-facilitated movement of a trait or traits into an elite line may encompass incorporation of a particular genomic fragment associated with a particular trait of interest into the elite line by the mechanism of identification of the integrated genomic fragment with the use of flanking or associated marker assays. In the embodiment represented here, one, two, three or four genomic loci, for example, may be integrated into an elite line via this methodology. When this elite line containing the additional loci is further crossed with another parental elite line to produce hybrid offspring, it is possible to then incorporate at least eight separate additional loci into the hybrid. These additional loci may confer, for example, such traits as a disease resistance or a fruit quality trait. In one embodiment, each locus may confer a separate trait. In another embodiment, loci may need to be homozygous and exist in each parent line to confer a trait in the hybrid. In yet another embodiment, multiple loci may be combined to confer a single robust phenotype of a desired trait.

Many single locus traits have been identified that are not regularly selected for in the development of a new inbred but that can be improved by backcrossing techniques. Single locus traits may or may not be transgenic; examples of these traits include, but are not limited to, male sterility, waxy starch, herbicide resistance, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, insect resistance, sugar content, male fertility and enhanced nutritional quality. These genes are generally inherited through the nucleus, but may be inherited through the cytoplasm. Some known exceptions to this are genes for male sterility, some of which are inherited cytoplasmically, but still act as a single locus trait.

Direct selection may be applied where the single locus acts as a dominant trait. For this selection process, the progeny of the initial cross are assayed for viral resistance and/or the presence of the corresponding gene prior to the backcrossing. Selection eliminates any plants that do not have the desired gene and resistance trait, and only those plants that have the trait are used in the subsequent backcross. This process is then repeated for all additional backcross generations.

Selection of corn plants for breeding is not necessarily dependent on the phenotype of a plant and instead can be based on genetic investigations. For example, one can utilize a suitable genetic marker which is closely genetically linked to a trait of interest. One of these markers can be used to identify the presence or absence of a trait in the offspring of a particular cross, and can be used in selection of progeny for continued breeding. This technique is commonly referred to as marker assisted selection. Any other type of genetic marker or other assay which is able to identify the relative presence or absence of a trait of interest in a plant can also be useful for breeding purposes. Procedures for marker assisted selection are well known in the art. Such methods will be of particular utility in the case of recessive traits and variable phenotypes, or where conventional assays may be more expensive, time consuming or otherwise disadvantageous. Types of genetic markers which could be used in accordance with the invention include, but are not necessarily limited to, Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms (SSLPs) (Williams et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 1 8:6531-6535, 1990), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858, specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., Science, 280:1077-1082, 1998).

F. PLANTS DERIVED BY GENETIC ENGINEERING

Many useful traits that can be introduced by backcrossing, as well as directly into a plant, are those which are introduced by genetic transformation techniques. Genetic transformation may therefore be used to insert a selected transgene into a plant of the invention or may, alternatively, be used for the preparation of transgenes which can be introduced by backcrossing. Methods for the transformation of plants that are well known to those of skill in the art and applicable to many crop species include, but are not limited to, electroporation, microprojectile bombardment, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and direct DNA uptake by protoplasts.

To effect transformation by electroporation, one may employ either friable tissues, such as a suspension culture of cells or embryogenic callus or alternatively one may transform immature embryos or other organized tissue directly. In this technique, one would partially degrade the cell walls of the chosen cells by exposing them to pectin-degrading enzymes (pectolyases) or mechanically wound tissues in a controlled manner.

An efficient method for delivering transforming DNA segments to plant cells is microprojectile bombardment. In this method, particles are coated with nucleic acids and delivered into cells by a propelling force. Exemplary particles include those comprised of tungsten, platinum, and preferably, gold. For the bombardment, cells in suspension are concentrated on filters or solid culture medium. Alternatively, immature embryos or other target cells may be arranged on solid culture medium. The cells to be bombarded are positioned at an appropriate distance below the macroprojectile stopping plate.

An illustrative embodiment of a method for delivering DNA into plant cells by acceleration is the Biolistics Particle Delivery System, which can be used to propel particles coated with DNA or cells through a screen, such as a stainless steel or Nytex screen, onto a surface covered with target cells. The screen disperses the particles so that they are not delivered to the recipient cells in large aggregates. Microprojectile bombardment techniques are widely applicable, and may be used to transform virtually any plant species.

Agrobacterium-mediated transfer is another widely applicable system for introducing gene loci into plant cells. An advantage of the technique is that DNA can be introduced into whole plant tissues, thereby bypassing the need for regeneration of an intact plant from a protoplast. Modern Agrobacterium transformation vectors are capable of replication in E. coli as well as Agrobacterium, allowing for convenient manipulations (Klee et al., Bio-Technology, 3(7):637-642, 1985). Moreover, recent technological advances in vectors for Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer have improved the arrangement of genes and restriction sites in the vectors to facilitate the construction of vectors capable of expressing various polypeptide coding genes. The vectors described have convenient multi-linker regions flanked by a promoter and a polyadenylation site for direct expression of inserted polypeptide coding genes. Additionally, Agrobacterium containing both armed and disarmed Ti genes can be used for transformation.

In those plant strains where Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is efficient, it is the method of choice because of the facile and defined nature of the gene locus transfer. The use of Agrobacterium-mediated plant integrating vectors to introduce DNA into plant cells is well known in the art (Fraley et al., Bio/Technology, 3:629-635, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,055).

Transformation of plant protoplasts also can be achieved using methods based on calcium phosphate precipitation, polyethylene glycol treatment, electroporation, and combinations of these treatments (see, e.g., Potrykus et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 199:183-188, 1985; Omirulleh et al., Plant Mol. Biol., 21(3):415-428, 1993; Fromm et al., Nature, 312:791-793, 1986; Uchimiya et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 204:204, 1986; Marcotte et al., Nature, 335:454, 1988). Transformation of plants and expression of foreign genetic elements is exemplified in Choi et al. (Plant Cell Rep., 13: 344-348, 1994), and Ellul et al. (Theor. Appl. Genet., 107:462-469, 2003).

A number of promoters have utility for plant gene expression for any gene of interest including but not limited to selectable markers, scoreable markers, genes for pest tolerance, disease resistance, nutritional enhancements and any other gene of agronomic interest. Examples of constitutive promoters useful for plant gene expression include, but are not limited to, the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) P-35S promoter, which confers constitutive, high-level expression in most plant tissues (see, e.g., Odel et al., Nature, 313:810, 1985), including in monocots (see, e.g., Dekeyser et al., Plant Cell, 2:591, 1990; Terada and Shimamoto, Mol. Gen. Genet., 220:389, 1990); a tandemly duplicated version of the CaMV 35S promoter, the enhanced 35S promoter (P-e35S); 1 the nopaline synthase promoter (An et al., Plant Physiol., 88:547, 1988); the octopine synthase promoter (Fromm et al., Plant Cell, 1:977, 1989); and the figwort mosaic virus (P-FMV) promoter as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,619 and an enhanced version of the FMV promoter (P-eFMV) where the promoter sequence of P-FMV is duplicated in tandem; the cauliflower mosaic virus 19S promoter; a sugarcane bacilliform virus promoter; a commelina yellow mottle virus promoter; and other plant DNA virus promoters known to express in plant cells.

A variety of plant gene promoters that are regulated in response to environmental, hormonal, chemical, and/or developmental signals can also be used for expression of an operably linked gene in plant cells, including promoters regulated by (1) heat (Callis et al., Plant Physiol., 88:965, 1988), (2) light (e.g., pea rbcS-3A promoter, Kuhlemeier et al., Plant Cell, 1:471, 1989; maize rbcS promoter, Schaffner and Sheen, Plant Cell, 3:997, 1991; or chlorophyll a/b-binding protein promoter, Simpson et al., EMBO J., 4:2723, 1985), (3) hormones, such as abscisic acid (Marcotte et al., Plant Cell, 1:969, 1989), (4) wounding (e.g., wunl, Siebertz et al., Plant Cell, 1:961, 1989); or (5) chemicals such as methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, or Safener. It may also be advantageous to employ organ-specific promoters (e.g., Roshal et al., EMBO J., 6:1155, 1987; Schernthaner et al., EMBO J., 7:1249, 1988; Bustos et al., Plant Cell, 1:839, 1989).

Exemplary nucleic acids which may be introduced to plants of this invention include, for example, DNA sequences or genes from another species, or even genes or sequences which originate with or are present in the same species, but are incorporated into recipient cells by genetic engineering methods rather than classical reproduction or breeding techniques. However, the term “exogenous” is also intended to refer to genes that are not normally present in the cell being transformed, or perhaps simply not present in the form, structure, etc., as found in the transforming DNA segment or gene, or genes which are normally present and that one desires to express in a manner that differs from the natural expression pattern, e.g., to over-express. Thus, the term “exogenous” gene or DNA is intended to refer to any gene or DNA segment that is introduced into a recipient cell, regardless of whether a similar gene may already be present in such a cell. The type of DNA included in the exogenous DNA can include DNA which is already present in the plant cell, DNA from another plant, DNA from a different organism, or a DNA generated externally, such as a DNA sequence containing an antisense message of a gene, or a DNA sequence encoding a synthetic or modified version of a gene.

Many hundreds if not thousands of different genes are known and could potentially be introduced into a corn plant according to the invention. Non-limiting examples of particular genes and corresponding phenotypes one may choose to introduce into a corn plant include one or more genes for insect tolerance, such as a Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) gene, pest tolerance such as genes for fungal disease control, herbicide tolerance such as genes conferring glyphosate tolerance, and genes for quality improvements such as yield, nutritional enhancements, environmental or stress tolerances, or any desirable changes in plant physiology, growth, development, morphology or plant product(s). For example, structural genes would include any gene that confers insect tolerance including but not limited to a Bacillus insect control protein gene as described in WO 99/31248, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,052, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,500,365 and 5,880,275, herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In another embodiment, the structural gene can confer tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate as conferred by genes including, but not limited to Agrobacterium strain CP4 glyphosate resistant EPSPS gene (aroA:CP4) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,435, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, or glyphosate oxidoreductase gene (GOX) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,175, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Alternatively, the DNA coding sequences can affect these phenotypes by encoding a non-translatable RNA molecule that causes the targeted inhibition of expression of an endogenous gene, for example via antisense- or cosuppression-mediated mechanisms (see, for example, Bird et al., Biotech. Gen. Engin. Rev., 9:207, 1991). The RNA could also be a catalytic RNA molecule (i.e., a ribozyme) engineered to cleave a desired endogenous mRNA product (see for example, Gibson and Shillito, Mol. Biotech., 7:125, 1997). Thus, any gene which produces a protein or mRNA which expresses a phenotype or morphology change of interest is useful for the practice of the present invention.

G. DEFINITIONS

In the description and tables herein, a number of terms are used. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, the following definitions are provided:

Allele: Any of one or more alternative forms of a gene locus, all of which alleles relate to one trait or characteristic. In a diploid cell or organism, the two alleles of a given gene occupy corresponding loci on a pair of homologous chromosomes.

Backcrossing: A process in which a breeder repeatedly crosses hybrid progeny, for example a first generation hybrid (F₁), back to one of the parents of the hybrid progeny. Backcrossing can be used to introduce one or more single locus conversions from one genetic background into another.

Crossing: The mating of two parent plants.

Cross-pollination: Fertilization by the union of two gametes from different plants.

Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.

Emasculate: The removal of plant male sex organs or the inactivation of the organs with a cytoplasmic or nuclear genetic factor or a chemical agent conferring male sterility.

Enzymes: Molecules which can act as catalysts in biological reactions.

F₁ Hybrid: The first generation progeny of the cross of two nonisogenic plants.

Genotype: The genetic constitution of a cell or organism.

Haploid: A cell or organism having one set of the two sets of chromosomes in a diploid.

Linkage: A phenomenon wherein alleles on the same chromosome tend to segregate together more often than expected by chance if their transmission was independent.

Marker: A readily detectable phenotype, preferably inherited in codominant fashion (both alleles at a locus in a diploid heterozygote are readily detectable), with no environmental variance component, i.e., heritability of 1.

Phenotype: The detectable characteristics of a cell or organism, which characteristics are the manifestation of gene expression.

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL): Quantitative trait loci (QTL) refer to genetic loci that control to some degree numerically representable traits that are usually continuously distributed.

Resistance: As used herein, the terms “resistance” and “tolerance” are used interchangeably to describe plants that show no symptoms to a specified biotic pest, pathogen, abiotic influence or environmental condition. These terms are also used to describe plants showing some symptoms but that are still able to produce marketable product with an acceptable yield. Some plants that are referred to as resistant or tolerant are only so in the sense that they may still produce a crop, even though the plants are stunted and the yield is reduced.

Regeneration: The development of a plant from tissue culture.

Self-pollination: The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of the same plant.

Single Locus Converted (Conversion) Plant: Plants which are developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of a corn variety are recovered in addition to the characteristics of the single locus transferred into the variety via the backcrossing technique and/or by genetic transformation.

Substantially Equivalent: A characteristic that, when compared, does not show a statistically significant difference (e.g., p=0.05) from the mean.

Tissue Culture: A composition comprising isolated cells of the same or a different type or a collection of such cells organized into parts of a plant.

Transgene: A genetic locus comprising a sequence which has been introduced into the genome of a corn plant by transformation.

H. DEPOSIT INFORMATION

A deposit of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and parent lines SHY-6RLAL201 and SHY-6RKCT030, disclosed above and recited in the claims, has been made with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209. The date of the deposits were Aug. 16, 2012, May 15, 2012, and May 15, 2012, respectively. The accession numbers for those deposited seeds of sweet corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 and parent line SHY-6RKCT030 are ATCC Accession Number PTA-13154, ATCC Accession Number PTA-12892, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-12897, respectively. Upon issuance of a patent, all restrictions upon the deposits will be removed, and the deposits are intended to meet all of the requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.801-1.809. The deposits will be maintained in the depository for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the last request, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if necessary during that period.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the invention, as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

All references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A corn plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of corn line SHY-6RKCT030 or corn line SHY-6RLAL201, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-12897 and ATCC Accession Number PTA-12892, respectively.
 2. A seed comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of corn line SHY-6RKCT030 or corn line SHY-6RLAL201, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-12897 and ATCC Accession Number PTA-12892, respectively.
 3. The plant of claim 1, which is inbred.
 4. The plant of claim 1, which is hybrid.
 5. The seed of claim 2, which is inbred.
 6. The seed of claim 2, which is hybrid.
 7. The plant of claim 4, wherein the hybrid plant is corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, a sample of seed of said hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-13154.
 8. The seed of claim 6, defined as a seed of corn hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, a sample of seed of said hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514 having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-13154.
 9. The seed of claim 2, defined as a seed of line SHY-6RKCT030 or line SHY-6RLAL201.
 10. A plant part of the plant of claim
 1. 11. The plant part of claim 10, further defined as an ear, ovule, pollen or cell.
 12. A corn plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the corn plant of claim
 7. 13. A tissue culture of regenerable cells of the plant of claim
 1. 14. The tissue culture according to claim 13, comprising cells or protoplasts from a plant part selected from the group consisting of leaf, pollen, embryo, root, root tip, anther, silk, flower, kernel, ear, cob, husk, stalk and meristem.
 15. A corn plant regenerated from the tissue culture of claim
 13. 16. A method of vegetatively propagating the plant of claim 1 comprising the steps of: (a) collecting tissue capable of being propagated from a plant according to claim 1; (b) cultivating said tissue to obtain proliferated shoots; and (c) rooting said proliferated shoots to obtain rooted plantlets.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising growing at least a first plant from said rooted plantlets.
 18. A method of introducing a desired trait into a corn line comprising: (a) crossing a plant of line SHY-6RKCT030 or SHY-6RLAL201 with a second corn plant that comprises a desired trait to produce F1 progeny, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-12897, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-12892, respectively; (b) selecting an F1 progeny that comprises the desired trait; (c) backcrossing the selected F1 progeny with a plant of line SHY-6RKCT030 or SHY-6RLAL201 to produce backcross progeny; (d) selecting backcross progeny comprising the desired trait and the physiological and morphological characteristic of corn line SHY-6RKCT030 or SHY-6RLAL201; and (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) three or more times to produce selected fourth or higher backcross progeny that comprise the desired trait.
 19. A corn plant produced by the method of claim
 18. 20. A method of producing a plant comprising an added trait, the method comprising introducing a transgene conferring the trait into a plant of hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, line SHY-6RKCT030 or line SHY-6RLAL201, a sample of seed of said hybrid and lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-13154, ATCC Accession Number PTA-12897, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-12892, respectively.
 21. A plant produced by the method of claim
 20. 22. The plant of claim 1, comprising a transgene.
 23. The plant of claim 22, wherein the transgene confers a trait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism and modified protein metabolism.
 24. The plant of claim 1, comprising a single locus conversion.
 25. The plant of claim 24, wherein the single locus conversion confers a trait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism and modified protein metabolism.
 26. A method for producing a seed of a plant derived from at least one of hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, line SHY-6RKCT030 or line SHY-6RLAL201 comprising the steps of: (a) crossing a corn plant of hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, line SHY-6RKCT030 or line SHY-6RLAL201 with itself or a second corn plant; a sample of seed of said hybrid and lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-13154, ATCC Accession Number PTA-12897, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-12892, respectively; and (b) allowing seed of a hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, line SHY-6RKCT030 or line SHY-6RLAL201-derived corn plant to form.
 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of: (c) selfing a plant grown from said hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, SHY-6RKCT030 or SHY-6RLAL201-derived corn seed to yield additional hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, line SHY-6RKCT030 or line SHY-6RLAL201-derived corn seed; (d) growing said additional hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, line SHY-6RKCT030 or line SHY-6RLAL201-derived corn seed of step (c) to yield additional hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, line SHY-6RKCT030 or line SHY-6RLAL201-derived corn plants; and (e) repeating the crossing and growing steps of (c) and (d) to generate at least a first further hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, line SHY-6RKCT030 or line SHY-6RLAL201-derived corn plant.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the second corn plant is of an inbred corn line.
 29. The method of claim 26, comprising crossing line SHY-6RKCT030 with line SHY-6RLAL201, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-12897, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-12892, respectively.
 30. The method of claim 27, further comprising: (f) crossing the further hybrid 11-6R-SHY-1514, SHY-6RKCT030 or SHY-6RLAL201-derived corn plant with a second corn plant to produce seed of a hybrid progeny plant.
 31. A plant part of the plant of claim
 7. 32. The plant part of claim 31, further defined as an ear, ovule, pollen or cell.
 33. A method of producing a corn seed comprising crossing the plant of claim 1 with itself or a second corn plant and allowing seed to form.
 34. A method of producing a corn fruit comprising: (a) obtaining a plant according to claim 1, wherein the plant has been cultivated to maturity; and (b) collecting a corn from the plant. 